The recent discovery of gold-laden tongues in the mouths of over a dozen mummified Egyptians near modern-day Al-Bahansa sheds light on ancient burial practices. These gold tongues were believed to give the deceased the ability to speak in the afterlife, a fascinating insight into their beliefs.
A tomb dating back to the Ptolemaic era in Oxyrhynchus revealed a treasure trove of artifacts belonging to an individual named Wen Nefer. Among these were 13 gold tongues, a mummy with golden fingernails, heart scarabs, canopic jars holding the organs of the deceased, and intricately painted walls depicting various scenes.
The team of archaeologists from the University of Barcelona and the Institute of the Ancient Middle East made this remarkable find. According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, these discoveries provide valuable insights into the religious practices and funerary traditions of the Ptolemaic era in Al-Bahnasa.
Gold tongues were a rare find in Egyptian tombs, symbolizing the importance of speech in the afterlife. The presence of gold fingernail covers on high-status individuals indicated a protective purpose, both physically and spiritually.
The tomb also housed 52 mummies, limestone sarcophagi, amulets depicting various gods, and stunning murals depicting scenes of embalming and funeral rites. This elaborate burial chamber offers a glimpse into the beliefs and preparations made for the deceased’s journey into the afterlife.
These findings not only enrich our understanding of ancient Egyptian practices but also serve as a testament to the care and reverence with which they treated their dead.
For more images of these remarkable discoveries, visit the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ Facebook page.
Vocabulary List:
- Artifacts /ˈɑːrtɪfækts/ (noun): Objects made by a human being typically an item of cultural or historical interest.
- Burial /ˈbɛr.i.əl/ (noun): The act of placing a dead body in a grave tomb or burial site.
- Mummified /ˈmʌmɪˌfaɪd/ (adjective): Preserved by embalming and drying to prevent decay.
- Insights /ˈɪn.saɪts/ (noun): The capacity to gain an accurate understanding of someone or something.
- Embalming /ɛmˈbɑːlmɪŋ/ (noun): The process of treating a body to preserve it after death.
- Reverence /ˈrɛvərəns/ (noun): Deep respect for someone or something.
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